How does Afghanistan rank globally on PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)?

In 2020, Afghanistan ranked #20 out of 200 countries reporting PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter).

Afghanistan: PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)

Name: Afghanistan: PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)
Creator: World Bank
License: https://datacatalog.worldbank.org/public-licenses#cc-by

In 2020, Afghanistan's PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) was 46.09.

That's down 21.0% from 2019, the highest value since 2019.

The global average for this indicator in 2020 was 23.53 . Afghanistan ranks #20 globally out of 200 reporting countries. Within Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, it ranks #6 of 23.

Source: World Bank Open Data (EN.ATM.PM25.MC.M3) • Data as of 2020

Trend (2001–2020)

Highlights

Peak: 77.14; 2014
Trough: 46.09; 2020
1-year change: -21.0%
5-year change: -37.3%; -8.9% / yr
10-year change: -7.2%; -0.7% / yr

Historical Data — Last 10 Years

Year	PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)
2020	46.0871
2019	58.3309
2018	67.2272
2017	65.8623
2016	72.7659
2015	73.4908
2014	77.1437
2013	73.1318
2012	70.9223
2011	61.8171

About PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)

Population-weighted exposure to ambient PM2.5 pollution is defined as the average level of exposure of a nation's population to concentrations of suspended particles measuring less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter, which are capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory tract and causing severe health damage. Exposure is calculated by weighting mean annual concentrations of PM2.5 by population in both urban and rural areas.

Indicator code: EN.ATM.PM25.MC.M3 • Category: Environment

Frequently asked questions

What was Afghanistan's PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) in 2020?: In 2020, Afghanistan's PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) was 46.09, according to World Bank Open Data.
Is Afghanistan's PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) rising or falling?: Afghanistan's PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) fell 21.0% from 2019 to 2020.
How does Afghanistan rank globally on PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)?: In 2020, Afghanistan ranked #20 out of 200 countries reporting PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter).
How does Afghanistan's PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) compare to the world average?: The global average for PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) in 2020 was 23.53, so Afghanistan is above the world average. Within Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, it ranks #6 of 23.
What is PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter) and how is it measured?: Population-weighted exposure to ambient PM2.5 pollution is defined as the average level of exposure of a nation's population to concentrations of suspended particles measuring less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter, which are capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory tract and causing severe health damage. Exposure is calculated by weighting mean annual concentrations of PM2.5 by population in both urban and rural areas.

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Source: World Bank Open Data (EN.ATM.PM25.MC.M3), CC BY 4.0.